Alison Brie And Dave Franco's 'Together': A $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit And Accusations Of Plagiarism

David

3 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.2

Share

Alison Brie and Dave Franco's "Together": A $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit Rocks Hollywood

The seemingly idyllic story behind Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed film, "Together," has taken a dramatic turn. A staggering $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed, alleging the film plagiarized significant portions of a previously unreleased screenplay. This explosive legal battle throws a spotlight on the often-blurred lines of intellectual property in the entertainment industry and raises serious questions about originality in filmmaking.

The Accusation: A Striking Resemblance?

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, centers around a striking similarity between "Together" and an independent screenplay titled "Alone Together," written by aspiring screenwriter, Matthew Miller. Miller claims that "Together" not only borrows heavily from his plot points, character development, and dialogue but also replicates specific scenes almost verbatim. The lawsuit details numerous alleged instances of plagiarism, claiming that key plot twists, character interactions, and even the film's overall emotional arc are virtually identical to his original work.

Key Allegations of the Lawsuit:

• Identical Plot Points: The lawsuit highlights several crucial plot points shared between both scripts, including the central conflict between the main characters, the resolution of that conflict, and the overall narrative structure.
• Similar Character Arcs: Miller alleges that the character development in "Together" mirrors his own work, with similar personality traits, motivations, and backstories for the main protagonists.
• Near-Identical Dialogue: The lawsuit points to several instances of nearly verbatim dialogue between the two scripts, strengthening the claim of copyright infringement.
• Financial Losses: Miller is seeking $17 million in damages, citing lost opportunities and reputational harm resulting from the alleged plagiarism.

The Response from Brie and Franco:

Neither Alison Brie nor Dave Franco, nor their representatives, have publicly commented on the lawsuit at this time. However, their production company is expected to file a response in the coming weeks. The legal battle promises to be a lengthy and complex one, with experts on both sides likely to be called upon to analyze the similarities and differences between the two screenplays.

The Larger Implications: Copyright in the Film Industry

This lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding copyright protection in the film industry. While inspiration is often cited as a source of creativity, the line between inspiration and outright copying can be exceedingly thin. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough legal vetting and originality in filmmaking. The outcome could have significant implications for future productions and the way screenwriters protect their intellectual property.

What Happens Next?

The legal proceedings will involve expert analysis of both screenplays, potentially including a comparison of narrative structure, character development, and dialogue. The court will need to determine whether the similarities constitute copyright infringement or fall under the realm of “fair use” or independent creation. The case will undoubtedly be closely watched by filmmakers and screenwriters alike, shaping future discussions about copyright and originality in Hollywood. We will continue to update this story as it develops.

Keywords: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Together, Copyright Lawsuit, Plagiarism, Hollywood, Film Industry, Copyright Infringement, Matthew Miller, Alone Together, $17 Million, Legal Battle, Intellectual Property.